IFFI Goa 2025: Rajinikanth to Be Honoured at Grand Celebration of Cinema

One of India’s most prestigious film festivals, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), returns with its 56th edition in Goa from November 20 to 28. The eight-day cinematic extravaganza will bring together filmmakers, artists, and cinema enthusiasts from across the globe. This year, the festival will screen over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 4 international premieres, and 46 Asian premieres.

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A Record Number of Indian Submissions

This year, the festival received 2,314 film entries from 127 countries, including 1,098 films from India in 18 different languages. The opening film will be The Blue Trail by Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro, a sci-fi drama, while the festival will conclude with the Thai film A Useful Ghost. The event will feature nine curated sections: Docu-Montage, From the Festivals, Emerging Stars, Mission Life, Experimental Films, Restored Classics, Macabre Dreams, UNICEF, and Cinema of the World.

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Japan Chosen as ‘Country of Focus’

This year, Japan has been chosen as the Country of Focus, and six selected Japanese films will be screened at the festival. Spain will serve as the Partner Country, while Australia will be the Spotlight Country. The festival will also feature three International Competitions, showcasing 32 films from five continents, along with award-winning titles from some of the world’s leading film festivals.

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Anupam Kher’s ‘Tanvi the Great’ Selected for Indian Panorama

Actor-director Anupam Kher’s film Tanvi the Great has been officially selected for the Indian Panorama section of IFFI 2025. Sharing his excitement on social media, Kher wrote — “Fantastic news! We are proud that our film Tanvi the Great has been selected for IFFI. Grateful to the organizers for this honour. Jai Ho!”

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Top Stars to Conduct Masterclasses and Panels

The festival will host 21 masterclasses and panel discussions across ten formats at Kala Academy. Renowned names from Indian and international cinema — including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Anupam Kher, Aamir Khan, Bobby Deol, Ravi Varman, Khushbu Sundar, Suhasini Maniratnam, Christopher Charles Corbould OBE, Pete Draper, and Sreekar Prasad — will share their experiences and insights.

Tribute to Indian Cinema Legends

IFFI 2025 will pay homage to legendary figures of Indian cinema — Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury — through screenings of their iconic works.

Rajinikanth to Receive Special Honour

At the festival’s closing ceremony, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth will be conferred with a special honour celebrating his glorious 50 years in cinema. This moment will mark a historic milestone in the legacy of Indian cinema.

FAQs

Q1. When and where will IFFI 2025 be held?

A1. The 56th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025 this year.

Q2. Who all participate in IFFI?

A2. IFFI is attended by filmmakers, actors, producers, and other prominent figures from the film industry from India and abroad.

Q3. What types of films are screened at IFFI?

A3. The festival showcases Indian and international films, including feature films, short films, and documentaries.

Q4. What is the objective of IFFI?

A4. The objective of IFFI is to promote Indian cinema globally, connect international filmmakers, and foster cultural exchange in the film industry.

Q5. What special events are organised at IFFI?

A5. Apart from film screenings, IFFI also organises events like workshops, masterclasses, red carpet events, and award ceremonies.

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